|
A absolute zero Theoretically the lowest possible temperature because all molecular movement has stopped (-460°F or -273.2°C). accommodation A property some nerves possess that allows them to lower their threshold of excitation as the strength of stimulus increases. Achilles tendon reflex An ankle jerk caused by the involuntary contraction of the calf muscles when the Achilles tendon is sharply struck. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome An immune system disorder caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A person is diagnosed with AIDS after (1) becoming HIV-infected and (2) presenting signs or symptoms characteristic of AIDS such as Kaposi's sarcoma or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. acrocyanosis A circulatory disorder in which the fingers and hands, and less commonly the toes and feet, are persistently cold and blue (cyanotic). action Anatomical movement produced by the normal contraction of a muscle. active exercise The force needed to move a body part is provided entirely by the voluntary contraction of muscles that normally control the body part. active movement Movement of a body part caused entirely by a person’s own effort without assistance or resistance from external forces. active trigger points Hyperirritable spots or zones that actively produce pain and may cause autonomic responses. active-assisted exercise The force needed to move a body part is provided primarily by the voluntary contraction of muscles that normally control the body part and secondarily by another means such as a therapist, a mechanical device, or one of the patient's other body parts. acute Short duration, not chronic, rapid onset, severe. acute inflammation Inflammation with rapid onset and clear termination characterized by pain, swelling, redness, heat, and loss of function. adhesion A tissue structure holding parts together that are normally separated. adipose Pertaining to fat. afferent nerve A sensory nerve conveying impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system. agonist Muscle or muscle group primarily responsible for performing some movement (prime mover). AIDS Acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. algesia Hypersensitivity to pain. algesic Painful or causing pain. algesiogenic Pain-producing, algogenic. algogenic Pain-producing, algesiogenic. algometer An instrument for measuring the degree of sensitivity to pain. algometry The process of measuring pain. all-or-none law The weakest stimulus capable of producing a response causes skeletal muscle fibers to contract maximally. allodynia Pain or distress resulting from non-noxious stimulus. anabolism The constructive phase of metabolism. analgesia A decrease or absence of sensitivity to pain. anesthesia Partial or complete loss of feeling, with or without loss of consciousness. aneurysm A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel. ankylosis Fixation of a joint. anoxia Without oxygen. antagonist Muscle or muscle group that opposes the movement of the agonist and produces the opposite movement. antalgic A posture or gait that avoids pain. antibody A protein substance developed in response to an antigen as part of the body's immune response process. Also called immune bodies, antibodies protect the body by neutralizing foreign invaders. antidromic Propagation of an impulse along an axon in a direction opposite to the normal direction. antigen A substance that triggers the formation of antibodies as part of the body's immune response process (antibody generating). antipyretic An agent that reduces fever. aponeurosis A flat fibrous sheet of connective tissue that attaches muscles to bone. approximate To bring close together. apraxia Loss of ability to perform purposeful movement in the absence of paralysis. asthenia Loss of strength or energy. asymptomatic No visible symptoms. ataxia Loss of motor coordination. athetosis Snakelike movements. atonia Lack of tension or tone, flaccid. atrophy Decrease in size of an organ or tissue. auscultation Evaluating a patient by listening to sounds within the body. axonotmesis The interruption of the axons of a nerve followed by complete degeneration distal to the injury without the nerve being severed. |
|
|